Just one more day in Provincetown before I head back to Boston. The weather has proven to live up to the hype with plenty of sun. The evenings have been beautiful as well. I did not take the photo of the sunset above, but the picture captures dusk in Provincetown beautifully so I thought I would share it. Tonight we have a dinner party deep in the East End, which I'm looking forward to attending.
My blogger toolbar is missing several tools; including posting photos. If you use blogger - have you experienced this? Do you know what I need to do or how I can post photos?
Sergio has been playing with the Microsoft video editing tool that came with his new Dell and I think he's done a great job overlaying some rather dramatic music to video he took on his last visit to Las Vegas. It takes a minute or two to download if you don't have a great internet connection, but check it out.
All summer the weather in Boston has been hot and sunny, keeping everyone sweating in the city. Mind you, I'm not complaining. I prefer this weather and love the heat; especially since I have a wonderful apartment with central airconditioning. The forecast later in the week looks to be a few degrees cooler than recent weeks with temperatures mostly in the mid and low 80s.
This suits me just fine, because I'll be heading back to Provincetown this week staying from Tuesday thru Saturday. Although, I have little trust in the extended forecast, it is always reassuring to see lots of sun and warm temperatures predicted. Good friends have rented a house in the West End and Sergio and I will crash there Tuesday night before checking into Enzo's on Commercial Street. We have a delicious lobster dinner planned this Friday (I'll try to snap photos to share in a future post), but otherwise I don't really have much planned other than relaxing and having fun.
Enzo's Guest House
Blogging may be a bit inconsistent this week as a result, but please do check back. I certainly do appreciate your comments and e-mails.
Earlier this week the gay guy / straight guy blog posted the picture above in their entry "ego check: a men's room in Queenstown". The picture is from the men's bathroom at the Sofitel in Queenstown and it reminded me of a bathroom in the trendy Palermo neighborhood of Buenos Aires that I needed to use after drinking too much Malbec. The women in the Argentinian men's room aren't quite as young, but it still illicited a similar response and made me laugh.
Strangely, Sergio seems not to even notice the inquisitive looks from the women in the Las Vegas Hilton bathroom casting downward glances when he visited the urinals in 2008.
The Commonwealth Shakespeare Co. performances of Othello will start one week from tonight on Wednesday, July 28th. More than 75,000 people are expected to attend one of the 16 free performances, which will take place by the Parkman Bandstand on the Common.
The Commonwealth Shakespeare Co. consistently turns out excellent performances for everyone to enjoy and I'm looking forward to see this year's production. Othello is one of my favorite dramas. Its themes of racism, love, jealousy, and betrayal always keep me on the edge of my seat.
I hope even more than the projected 75,000 people come to enjoy an evening of Shakespeare under the stars. Bostonians are lucky to have so many great cultural events that are free and so accessible. Just a few weeks ago the Boston Pop's 4th of July Celebration and fireworks garnered national attention. Now Bostonians can come to the Common to see the Commonwealth Shakespeare Co. performances, which run July 28 - August 15 (Tuesday thru Saturday @ 8pm - Sunday @ 7pm).
Union Park runs from Tremont to Shawmut Street in the South End. The street is lined with beautiful, brick bowfront row houses from the 1850s that surround an oval park and includes two water fountains on each end lined with fragrant flowers.
On summer evenings neighbors from these buildings sit on their steps (or stoop as I refer to them) and sip cool beverages to people watch and enjoy the warm summer nights.
Have you noticed that the Republican Party seems to have been high jacked by people best categorized as cuckoo? I'm referring to the "tea party" movement. Although it comes as no surprise to those who know me - I've never identified as a Republican nor do I have much love for the party, but I've always viewed them as legitimate political party and envied their ability to organize and fund raise. However, lately they have become a caricature - hard to take serious despite the fact they can and will continue to wield considerable power within American Politics.
Tea Party members strike me as quite a mean-spirited and surly group. They never tire of assuring anyone with a camera that they are "fired up" and they love to make up words like refudiate or nucular to sound like they are intelligent. Sadly, this hostile group is not intentionally trying to sound illiterate. I think they believe they are showcasing their grasp of the English language.
I wonder out loud what more traditional members of the Republican Party like my parents make of these quacks. Many in my family vote their wallet. Issues like human rights (waterboarding anyone?), social equality for women, minorities and gays are of personal importance but won't trump voting for candidates that promise smaller gov't no matter how hollow that promise turns out to be or where they may stand on issues like gay marriage, domestic partner rights, etc...
Having said that, I know the poor use of the English language regularly spoken by Republican leaders must grind on their nerves - my parents especially. I grew up in a house where we were regularly corrected if we spoke incorrectly and complimented when we were particularly articulate. So I have to wonder what they and others like them make of the new "Republican Elite" be it Sarah Palin insisting that "refudiate" is a real word or the former President Bush (and now half the country) who pronounce nuclear as "nucular". It may be wrong, but I have a tough time taking someone seriously who shouts angry epitaphs about English only or takes xenophobic stands with regards to immigration reform but can not spell or speak the language they claim to cherish.
I have to head to NYC for an afternoon meeting on Friday, which means I'll be hopping on Acela. I prefer train travel when going between NYC and Boston. There are far fewer hassles, it is less likely to be delayed and there is so much more space to stretch out. I do wish they could upgrade the rails to make the journey pass more quickly, but I don't complain because I feel lucky that I have this as an option. Have you used Amtrak's high-speed railway (otherwise known as Acela)?
Sadly, I'll only be in NYC for a few hours so there won't be any opportunity to enjoy the city.
The weather this weekend was hot and sunny with temperatures in the low to mid-90s. Normally I would have gone to Provincetown to escape the heat, but a good friend came to Boston to celebrate his 40th birthday (happy belated birthday Tom). I think he had a fun time - we started the evening at my place with a champagne toast then walked down the street to Myers and Chang. After dinner people came back for a nightcap and conversation.
Sunday turned out to be a lazy day with friends dropping by unexpectedly. It was great to see everyone. The combination of my air conditioned apartment, some delicious white wine and good conversation made the afternoon and evening pass quickly. I couldn't believe that it was a just past 10pm when I closed the door and waved good bye to everyone. Perhaps for some people the random "drop-ins" would not be welcome, but it is something that I love about where I live. I think it is great to have friends drop by unexpectedly. I don't think I could have planned a more relaxing Sunday - even if I tried.
It has been a busy week - perhaps you've noticed my lack of posts? Maybe not. Regardless, I can't function like a normal person when the weather is this beautiful. I don't know how people who live where the weather is beautiful year round actually get work done. I think the sun must fry my neural connections, because like this post I become a babbling idiot.
Anyway, I wanted to say thank you to a few blogs that have recently linked to me. I'm flattered and appreciate it. Apologies in advance for anyone I may have missed.
Alan Ilagan - a personal blog about Alan's life in upstate NY Aussielicious - a rather cool blog from a guy who lives in Sydney Australia The Lisp - a blog filled with loads of sarcasm and plenty of gay humor The Spirit of St. Lewis - a personal blog from a friendly midwesterner
UPDATE
Oops... I knew my memory being what it is - that I would inadvertantly leave someone off this list. My new life - is a personal blog of a 'regular guy' (to use his own words) of a Virginian. Mike's short attention span - personal blog from a fellow Bostonian who lives in Southie - check him out.
With temperatures near 90 degrees already and nearly a cloud in the sky to provide any sort of shade, it appears that Boston will enjoy yet another gorgeous weekend. I'll be in Boston (melting) to celebrate a friend's birthday. Are you heading to the beach? I'm jealous.
Tomorrow, July 14th, is Bastille Day, otherwise known as French independence. Most French restaurants in Boston (and elsewhere) will have festivities planned so head down to your local brasserie and order yourself a nice bottle of French wine and enjoy yourself.
I've included this image of the model draped in a French flag because it truly does make me want to say "vive la france." I've also included photos from my visit to Paris in May if you are so inclined - take a peek, it takes approximately 2-3 minutes to view all the scrolling images.
Marriage has had a checkered past in the U.S. The arguments for many of the restrictions placed on marriage are made to sound altruistic but the truth is attempts to limit groups from marrying has always been a subversive way to isolate and discriminate. I stumbled upon this image (see below) from the Murmurs of Desire blog.
What a frightening past for an institution that is suppose to be about love and loving others.
I'm seeing a lot of posts on blogs that I read with videos from 80s bands lately so I've decided to hop on the bandwagon and have posted this video from the 80s glam / punk band, The Cult. I've taken the metaphor literally today since thunder showers are predicted off and on through out the afternoon.
What 80s bands or songs have you been listening to recently?
Despite my commitment to the gym, I'd been unable to drop the weight I wanted so a few weeks ago I opted to modify my diet to augement my efforts in the gym. In mid-to-late June I stopped eating meat and increased my in-take of fruit and veggies. After one week I dropped 7 lbs. I'm not really sure that anyone could see the difference, but psychologically it was a huge boost.
Of course, after spending the weekend in Provincetown over the 4th of July, I was humbled by the number of defined abdominals and the general fitness level of the guys there so I've redoubled my efforts with my personal trainer Stu.
How are you doing with your diet and work out routine? Do you work out regularly? I'm in pretty good shape, but I would like to continue to build muscle mass and shrink my waist with which I seem to be permanently at war. I plan on maintaining my 'vegetarian' status through the summer since it has helped me shave off a few extra pounds, but I'm interested to hear if you have any fitness or diet tips.
Not in Provincetown or Ogunquit this weekend? Although Boston can get very quiet during the summer months, there is still plenty to do if you want to get out or blow off some steam. I've listed some options which likely vary from your routine. Maybe I'll see you out in the city - if so, please say hello.
Saturday is the Fever Party at the Good Life which is just a couple blocks from Downtown Crossing at 2 Kingston Street. The fun will start after 10PM.
Sunday check out the SoWa Open Market, which runs from 10 AM - 4 PM. This market which runs May through October every Sunday (except holiday weekends) has moved one block to 460 Harrison Avenue.
On Thursday, a US district court judge in Boston declared unconstitutional a 1996 law that bars federal recognition of same-sex marriage. Judge Joseph L. Tauro, ruling in two separate challenges to the Defense of Marriage Act, declared that the law “induces the Commonwealth to violate the equal protection rights of its citizens’’ and “plainly intrudes on a core area of state sovereignty, the ability to define the marital status of its citizens.’’
You can read the full article in today's Boston Globe by linking here.
This was one of the pictures I took when I was in S.F. last month. I could not resist snapping this picture and meant to share it upon returning because it made me laugh when I saw it.
What are you reading this summer to pass the hours? This past week I read Robert Parker's book, Widow's Walk. I love his fictional character Spenser and how his stories take place in Boston. After, I picked up the Jeffrey Archer novel, A Prisoner of Birth, which is sort of a modern day Count of Monte Cristo. I've read several of Archer's novels and they are always epic stories that I get completely sucked into.
I have to head off to the library to pick up a few more books. What have you been reading? Any suggestions?
Here are photos from Provincetown over the 4th of July weekend. Many thanks to all the friendly smiles and guys happy to strike a pose for my humble little slide show.
I've arrived back in Boston after spending the past four nights in Provincetown for the holiday weekend. Since leaving, I've participated in my first gay wedding, finally developed an enviable tan, and made a few friends.
Fourth of July is one of the busiest weeks to visit Provincetown and having just returned I can understand why -- it was so much fun. My long weekend really started on Thursday, July 1st when Sergio and I showed up to the Tea Dance at The Boatslip. I was able to introduce Sergio to David and Sean (the couple I wrote about in my entry, Happily ever after). The happy couple was nervous (but excited) about their pending nuptials which would take place at the Episcopal Church in the East End on Friday. With their permission, I've posted a quick two minute video of some of the highlights of the ceremony.
Not long after their ceremony concluded Sean and David had to catch the Ptown ferry back to Boston. However, we were able to grab a quick bite then have one last cocktail at the Crown & Anchor. It was sad to say good bye after sharing such an intensely personal moment, but I do hope to stay in touch. By the time it came to say good-bye, I was referring to them as friends - not a couple I had just met.
The happy newlyweds (and me) post wedding jitters:
While that may have been the climax - the remainder of the weekend was hardly anti-climactic. Friday through Sunday Sergio and I spent our days on the Boatslip's deck relaxing in the sun. One afternoon we were invited to a pre-Tea party by a couple that we met through David and Sean who happen to live down the street from us (small world, huh?) Shoud you be reading this - thank you Buddy and Patrick for your delicious punch cocktail and your hospitality.
We also checked out Varla Jean Merman's show, The Loose Chanteuse, which was hilarious and a nice break from the bar scene. In addition to enjoying the show we were seated next to two handsome guys visiting from NYC, Dome and Tarek. Dome (the one in the red suit) had never been to Provincetown and like a good friend, Tarek convinced him to spend the 4th of July here. Lucky for us that we met them at the Varla show. The next morning we ended up sitting together at the Boatslip.
Dome has mentioned that he may be coming to Boston for schooling so we may get a chance to meet and woo him to my hometown. It would be great to see these guys again they are handsome, friendly and articulate; that's a hat trick of desireable characteristics.
To capture some of the fun we had and show the fire works which brought nearly everyone from Cape Cod (or so it seemed) to Provincetown on July 4th, I've pulled together a roughly edited video. Sorry its not of better quality, but I am merely a novice and still learning.
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The Commonwealth Shakespeare Co. performances of Othello will start one week from tonight on Wednesday, July 28th. More than 75,000 people are expected to attend one of the 16 free performances, which will take place by the Parkman Bandstand on the Common.
On summer evenings neighbors from these buildings sit on their steps (or stoop as I refer to them) and sip cool beverages to people watch and enjoy the warm summer nights. 
Have you noticed that the Republican Party seems to have been high jacked by people best categorized as cuckoo? I'm referring to the "tea party" movement. Although it comes as no surprise to those who know me - I've never identified as a Republican nor do I have much love for the party, but I've always viewed them as legitimate political party and envied their ability to organize and fund raise. However, lately they have become a caricature - hard to take serious despite the fact they can and will continue to wield considerable power within American Politics.
It has been a busy week - perhaps you've noticed my lack of posts? Maybe not. Regardless, I can't function like a normal person when the weather is this beautiful. I don't know how people who live where the weather is beautiful year round actually get work done. I think the sun must fry my neural connections, because like this post I become a babbling idiot. 
Despite my commitment to the gym, I'd been unable to drop the weight I wanted so a few weeks ago I opted to modify my diet to augement my efforts in the gym. In mid-to-late June I stopped eating meat and increased my in-take of fruit and veggies. After one week I dropped 7 lbs. I'm not really sure that anyone could see the difference, but psychologically it was a huge boost. 
Not in Provincetown or Ogunquit this weekend? Although Boston can get very quiet during the summer months, there is still plenty to do if you want to get out or blow off some steam. I've listed some options which likely vary from your routine. Maybe I'll see you out in the city - if so, please say hello.
On Thursday, a US district court judge in Boston declared unconstitutional a 1996 law that bars federal recognition of same-sex marriage. Judge Joseph L. Tauro, ruling in two separate challenges to the Defense of Marriage Act, declared that the law “induces the Commonwealth to violate the equal protection rights of its citizens’’ and “plainly intrudes on a core area of state sovereignty, the ability to define the marital status of its citizens.’’ 
What are you reading this summer to pass the hours? This past week I read Robert Parker's book, Widow's Walk. I love his fictional character Spenser and how his stories take place in Boston. After, I picked up the Jeffrey Archer novel, A Prisoner of Birth, which is sort of a modern day Count of Monte Cristo. I've read several of Archer's novels and they are always epic stories that I get completely sucked into.
I've arrived back in Boston after spending the past four nights in Provincetown for the holiday weekend. Since leaving, I've participated in my first gay wedding, finally developed an enviable tan, and made a few friends.
